A Guide to Spark Plugs for the 1985-1992 Chevrolet Sprint

Symptoms of Failing Spark Plugs

When your spark plugs are worn out, your Sprint's engine won't run as it should. You might notice one or more of these signs:

• Rough Idling: The engine may shake or sound uneven when the car is stopped.
• Poor Acceleration: The car may feel sluggish or hesitate when you press the gas pedal.
• Engine Misfires: You might feel a jerking or stumbling sensation while driving as a cylinder fails to fire correctly. This can trigger the Check Engine Light.
• Reduced Fuel Economy: If you're filling up the gas tank more often than usual, worn plugs could be the cause.
• Difficulty Starting: A weak spark can make it hard for the engine to start, especially in cold weather.

Choosing the Right Aftermarket Spark Plugs

Since the Chevrolet Sprint is a rebadged Suzuki, the original equipment (OEM) spark plugs were likely made by a Japanese brand. This is important when choosing a replacement. For this engine, you don't need expensive, fancy plugs; a reliable, standard copper plug is often the best choice.

Brand Recommendations

Tier 1: OEM-Equivalent Quality

• NGK: Widely considered the top choice for this engine. The NGK BPR6ES is a commonly cited, reliable plug for the Sprint. NGK plugs are known for their quality and are often used as original equipment in Japanese vehicles.
• Denso: Another excellent Japanese brand that is a major OEM supplier. A good cross-reference for this vehicle is the Denso W20EPR-U. You can't go wrong with either NGK or Denso.

Tier 2: High-Quality Aftermarket

• ACDelco: As GM's official parts brand, ACDelco offers quality plugs that meet factory specifications. They are a dependable choice if NGK or Denso are not available.
• Champion: A long-standing American brand with a reputation for reliability. The Champion RN9YC is a direct cross-reference for the recommended NGK plug.
• Bosch: A German brand known for quality engineering. While they offer advanced iridium and platinum plugs, their standard copper plugs are a solid, affordable option.

Tier 3: Budget-Friendly

• Autolite: A common brand found in most auto parts stores. They offer a functional and affordable option, though some professional mechanics prefer the brands listed above.

Known Issues, Recalls, or TSBs

For the 1985-1992 Chevrolet Sprint, there are no known recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA related to spark plugs. Any issues you encounter will likely be from normal wear and tear due to age and mileage, rather than a specific manufacturing defect.

DIY Spark Plug Replacement

Replacing the spark plugs on a Chevrolet Sprint is a simple job that most owners can do at home with basic tools. The 3-cylinder engine provides easy access to all three plugs.

1. Let the engine cool completely. Working on a hot engine can cause burns.
2. Work on one plug at a time. This prevents mixing up the spark plug wires, which must be in the correct order for the engine to run.
3. Remove the wire and the plug. Gently twist and pull the spark plug wire boot off the plug. Use a spark plug socket and a ratchet to loosen and remove the old plug.
4. Check the gap on the new plug. Use a feeler gauge or gap tool to ensure the gap is set to your vehicle's specification, typically found on a sticker under the hood. For the Sprint/Geo Metro, this is often 0.039 inches.
5. Install the new plug. Thread the new plug in by hand to avoid damaging the threads in the engine's cylinder head. Once it's snug, use the socket wrench to tighten it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Do not overtighten.
6. Reconnect the wire. Push the spark plug wire boot back onto the new plug until you feel it click into place.
7. Repeat for the other two cylinders.